Though other talented folks have followed in his footsteps, Bryan Bowers continues to be the pinnacle of autoharp playing in the folk music world, and he delivers a fine mix of songs, instrumentals, and stories. Six years have slipped by since his last visit here, as we could never coordinate a date that fit with … Continue reading Bryan Bowers
Susie Glaze & The Highlonesome Band are coming back for a fourth appearance at Caltech! They have been likened to the classic British bands Pentangle and Fairport Convention in that they blend classic folk music with rough-edged stories of tragedy and fate, all with orchestral arrangements sounding like chamber music gone folk! A lush newgrass … Continue reading Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band
Save the date for this special double bill! Marina V is a talented singer-songwriter with an unusual back story. She grew up in Moscow and was trained as a classical pianist. Then she was exposed to English-language pop music through cassette tapes smuggled into Russia. She spent a year in the U.S. as an exchange student … Continue reading Marina V and Aireene Espiritu
John Flynn had already released his first ten or so albums before he got around to approaching us to do a show. One reason was that he had taken time out from touring to raise children, but he was still creating and performing. Kris Kristofferson wrote some of his liner notes. He accompanied Arlo Guthrie, … Continue reading John Flynn
The Kathy Kallick Band is one of California's finest bluegrass bands, and they soar both vocally and instrumentally. They are known both for honoring the music of some of the towering influences on early bluegrass (Bill Monroe, the Louvin Brothers, and many more), and for adding plenty of wonderful original songs and tunes to the … Continue reading Kathy Kallick Band
We'd like to welcome another pair of newcomers to our series: Claudia Russell and her partner, Bruce Kaplan, from Berkeley, California. She's a second generation musician whose father—Gilbert Russell aka Val Rosing—was a famous singer in the 1930s, best known for being the vocalist on the original BBC recording of "A Teddy Bear's Picnic." Claudia … Continue reading Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan
Presented by Caltech Public Events, with the Folk Music Society as marketing partner The Good Lovelies are one of Canada's premier folk bands. Funny and upbeat, with just a pinch of sass, their textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping, and witty stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape since they joined forces in 2006. … Continue reading The Good Lovelies
Laurie Lewis Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick were founding members of a group called the Good Old Persons, a seminal California bluegrass band that included some amazing musicians who have gone on to achieve a great deal. It turns out that they had influences themselves, and for Laurie and Kathy, the musicians who taught them … Continue reading Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick
This show is presented by Caltech Public Events, with the Folk Music Society as marketing partner Call it violin or call it fiddle, Mark O'Connor is without a doubt one of the giants of our time on this instrument. He is also an outstanding mandolin and guitar player, as well. He is as comfortable with … Continue reading Mark O’Connor’s “An Appalachian Christmas”
Beppe Gambetta is a guitar virtuoso, and the Italian roots of the word (skill, excellence) are certainly fitting when talking about him. Born in Italy, Gambetta is recognized the world over as a master innovator of the acoustic guitar. As a boy he heard a band playing on a train and became obsessed with the … Continue reading Beppe Gambetta
Jenna Moynahan-fiddle and vocals Six years have slipped by since we had Scotland's Old Blind Dogs in our series. After years of trying, including an aborted show last year when the U.S. State Department delayed their visas and we had to cancel a show, we have arranged the return of this fine Scottish band that … Continue reading Old Blind Dogs
This show, in Beckman Auditorium, is presented by Caltech Public Events with the Pasadena Folk Music Society as a media partner. Mention the Folk Music Society when ordering or purchasing tickets and you will receive a $5 discount on each one (regular prices are $25, $30, $35, $10 for youth). Caladh Nua is a tightly-knit, vibrant band with … Continue reading Caladh Nua
Steve and Cindy have consistently brought us great music in their every-other-year visits. Steve made a big splash very early in his career when he wrote the song "Darcy Farrow" which was recorded by Ian and Sylvia at the height of their time together. The song—so timeless that it is thought by many to be … Continue reading Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen
John is one of the most requested performers for us, and there are a number of reasons. He is a fine songwriter and songfinder, one of the very best! Consider such original songs as Christmas in the Trenches and Water from Another Time, or songs by others, such as the great alternate birthday song, Tina … Continue reading John McCutcheon
We are very proud to present this fine group of musicians exploring the deep roots music of North America. Jayme Stone is a Canadian banjo innovator, known for his bringing together diverse music, be it Bach or from Africa. His range is tremendous and his knowledge of the music insures that it will be an … Continue reading Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project
(Note: This show was originally scheduled for January 16, 2016.) Don't miss this special pairing! This promises to be an exciting evening of fiddle and pipes! One of Cape Breton's most promising young fiddlers, Andrea Beaton comes by her music honestly. Listen to her play, the power of her bow, the drive and swing of … Continue reading Andrea Beaton and Dick Hensold
It has been over four years since Kevin Burke has played at Caltech, and we're honored and delighted to have the return of this fiddler extraordinaire. In a 30-plus year career, Kevin has played with the Bothy Band, Patrick Street, Open House, the Celtic Fiddle Festival, and in many other combinations. As fine as he … Continue reading Kevin Burke
We welcome back Patrick Ball, who has honored our series by appearing 7 times before, with completely different shows and different musical configurations, combining elements of music, storytelling, theater and literature. Patrick is an extraordinary steel string Celtic harpist and an equally talented storyteller. In an article entitled, An Irish Bard Plucks at Heartstrings the … Continue reading Patrick Ball: Celtic Harp and Story
The Pasadena Folk Music Society moves off the Caltech campus for the first time ever to present a special Sunday morning concert featuring the fine voices and guitar work of Eric Uglum and Bud Bierhaus, also known as the Vintage Martins. Eric and Bud impressed us greatly some years back when they performed at one … Continue reading Sunday Morning Bluegrass Gospel in the Garden!
Dan Frechette, guitar/vocals, and Laurel Thomsen, violin/vocals will be making their Caltech debut at this show. We are happy to be presenting this fine duo who we expect you will be hearing much more about in the future. They prove that musical magic is not only possible, but as described by The Monterey Herald, “a … Continue reading Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen
